The best travel advice comes from seasoned explorers. In this series, we ask well-traveled experts for their tips and advice.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes, age 78, is recognized as the world’s greatest living explorer. He holds the world record as the first individual to reach both the North and South Poles by land, in addition to being the first person to cross both the Arctic and Antarctic Seas unsupported. At the remarkable age of 65, he successfully climbed Mt Everest. He is also friends with King Charles, who has expressed his admiration for Ranulph’s pioneering explorations.
Travel and Exploration Experiences
Currently residing in Exmoor in the Southwest of England, I recently traveled to Oxford to give a lecture about competitive expeditions to an audience of 900 people. I enjoy touring and sharing my experiences through lectures, and I’m scheduled to visit 90 towns next year with my show, Living Dangerously. The tour schedule varies significantly, sometimes leading me to the south coast one day and Scotland the next. Whenever possible, I prefer to return home after my engagements. My latest trip abroad was to Málaga, Spain, where I delivered a motivational lecture for corporate team building.
Embracing Adventure
Unconventional holidays are my preference. My last major expedition took me 2500km down the Nile with my cousin Joseph Fiennes for a National Geographic series, celebrating the 50th anniversary of my 1968 hovercraft trip down the same river. Looking ahead, I plan to revisit British Columbia in Canada in summer 2023 to retrace an expedition I undertook in 1971 through remote forests of the Yukon to the USA border.
A Journey Without Boundaries
My longest journey spanned from 1979 to 1982, taking seven years to meticulously plan. I successfully circumnavigated the globe without flying, relying on traditional navigation methods. My wife assisted by plotting our route on a globe with a crayon, and we communicated through Morse code.
Travel Tips from an Explorer
During my travels, I enjoy listening to the radio or the soothing music of Enya. To stay informed about global events, I read The Economist and The Week.
Having lost fingers to frostbite on expeditions, I advise anyone venturing into extreme weather to carry six-hour hand warmers. Additionally, I always bring a tube of Anthisan Cream to address any insect bites immediately.
Roots in Journeying
My earliest vacation memory is from Kruger National Park with my family. I first traveled to South Africa at just one year old, as my grandmother was South African. My family has a rich history there, having faced loss during both World Wars. Raised in South Africa until age 12, I have not visited in nearly 20 years.
Underrated Destinations
The Isle of Man is a hidden gem that I consider underrated. Although it is geographically close to the UK, it has a unique history and culture, similar to the Channel Islands.
If I could be anywhere right now, it would certainly be a warm location free of rain. I’ve never ventured to China or India, making them intriguing destinations for future exploration.
